Scunthorpe 7 - Rotherham 8

The Iron v The Millers

A stunning strike from Jermaine Beckford on loan from Leeds United earned Scunthorpe a hard fought win over Rotherham, but goalkeeper Joe Murphy was the real hero for the Iron pulling off a string of top drawer saves.

The result stretched their unbeaten run to ten games, but they were made to fight all the way by relegation-threatened Rotherham.

The visitors turned the form book upside down in a terrific second-half performance in which they did everything but score.

It was only a man-of-the-match display by home keeper Murphy that denied them.

Twice he saved brilliantly from striker Ian Henderson after he broke free into the box. Then Murphy turned away a goalbound drive from winger Ritchie Partridge.

And he topped the lot with a tremendous 67th minute penalty save, turning away a week spot-kick from midfield man Eugen Bopp after Partridge had been fouled in the box by full-back Lee Ridley.

It was his second goal in four games as he showed neat footwork on the edge of the box before unleashing a left-foot drive that curled beyond the reach of goalkeeper Neil Cutler and into the net off the inside of the far post.

That though was one of the few times that the home side threatened as Rotherham dominated the second period.

The visitors were also hampered when goalkeeper Cutler was stretchered off on the stroke of half-time after a challenge from Richard Hinds.

Rotherham were out of luck again when a close-range shot from Henderson rattled a post and stayed out when it seemed easier to score.

It leaves the Rotherham still anchored at the foot of the table but desperately unlucky not to have taken something from a run now of 11 games without a win.

Star Player

Joe Murphy

Manager Rating

Knill 7

Opponent Rating

Adkins 6

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